Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has successfully intensified the fight against the extremist group Boko Haram. Yet the country also faces resurgent militancy in the Delta, increased agitation by pro-Biafra nationalists in the Southeast, conflicts over land use in the Middle Belt, and an economic crisis triggered primarily by low oil prices. None of these problems can be solved by military force alone. USIP provides education, grants, training, and resources to help build peace in Nigeria and seeks improved governance through projects that strengthen communication between citizens and authorities.

Following a turbulent post-colonial interlude, defined by a series of coups and political instability, in the last ten years the country has emerged as a democratic, multi-party State.

Niger remains the world’s poorest country according to the Human Development Index. This extreme poverty rate stems from a range of factors which include: its geographic position, infertile terrain, high fertility rates and poor access to basic services such as education and healthcare. Alongside these challenges the country faces natural disasters and conflicts.

Niger also grapples with hosting significant numbers of refugees fleeing conflicts in Nigeria and Mali as well as internally displaced populations. The country has also become a major transit route for migrants heading to Europe